BA is the 2026 Battle of the Giants champions.
But for the Men in Black, the title was more about lessons learned.
Lessons they were determined not to repeat after their 3–0 pool-stage loss to Rewa.
When the two teams locked horns in the final, the message for was simple and clear, the past had nothing to do with them, there was a tournament to win, and everything had to change.
Head coach Ravinesh Kumar said the team’s mindset and attitude were crucial in turning the tables.
“It was all about shifting our focus and improving our reactions,” Kumar told SportsOne.
“Lessons were learned after our pool game loss to Rewa.”
Kumar said it was made clear to the players that they had to put the earlier defeat behind them, reset mentally and remain focused on the task ahead.
The response was immediate.
From the opening whistle, Ba took the game to Rewa, playing with purpose and determination that reflected a team intent on making amends.
“It was the winning mentality of the players that truly made the game,” Kumar said.
That mentality has now helped Ba secure three major titles in 2026.
The Battle of the Giants is the latest addition to the trophy cabinet, joining the Fiji FACT and Extra Premier League titles.
It also means Ba is beginning to fulfil a promise made by district president Parneel Dayal ahead of the 2026 season, to win the available titles and add more silverware to Ba’s already rich football history.
With the Inter-District Championship up next, Ba enters the competition as the clear front-runner.
The team has the consistency, coaching structure, technical staff and most importantly, the confidence that comes with winning.
But football is never won on past laurels alone.
The challenge for Ba will be maintaining the winning mentality when the IDC begins next month.
For now, the Men in Black are enjoying a remarkable run, and the 2-1 final win against Rewa is Ba’s to savour.
And Kumar believes the latest triumph belongs to everyone who has stood behind the team.
“The win is for Ba, its fans and those that believe. We are Ba. This is Ba,” he added.
